03-18-2013, 07:33 PM
I wanted to thank everyone for their interest regarding the management of Willard Bay inlet channel. An integral part of our mission as the state’s wildlife management agency is to improve and develop fishing opportunities for the state’s anglers. In the case of the Willard Bay inlet channel, an agency review of this closure determined that the channel presented an unutilized fishing opportunity at Willard Bay, the opening of which would not have an adverse impact on the reservoir’s walleye population.
The closure of the inlet channel to fishing was put into place decades ago to curb the snagging of walleye that took place each spring when spawning adults typically swim up the channel. At the time the closure was instituted, the decision was both a social and biological issue. The issue was social in that it that illegal snagging was not adequately prevented. It was thought the issue was biological as well, and our previous understanding was that the amount of spawning adult walleye each year in Willard Bay determined the relative success or failure of future year classes of walleye. Our current understanding is different. The latest research around the nation as well as the data we’ve collected over the years suggests the abundance of young walleye each year in Willard Bay is influenced by environmental variables (spring water temps, wave action, water levels, etc.) and not by standing stock of spawning adults. Our next consideration was whether or not the illegal snagging by anglers, which was the cause of the initial closure, could be prevented this time around. Our law enforcement officers have had a strong presence at Willard Bay over the past several years and they intend to continue strong enforcement of the regulations at this water in the future. With these thoughts in mind, our agency put a proposal before theWildlife Board last year to lift the closure of the channel, with the intent ofopening up an additional fishing opportunity to anglers and that proposal was approved. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has really strived to solicit public feedback in recent years. We have implemented surveys, open houses, listed potential regulation changes on websites (including this one), we have used printed media as well as the formal RAC's and Wildlife Board process. Our efforts in using the best fisheries techniques available as well as attempting to work more effectively with our constituents have never been a higher priority. So the question is....If we have addressed this biologically and been diligent in working with our constituents as thoroughly as possible then where did the process break down?
Drew Cushing
Warmwater Sportfish Coordinator
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
[#0000ff]just cleaning up the stray brackets. This is a good read. Thanks.[/#0000ff]
The closure of the inlet channel to fishing was put into place decades ago to curb the snagging of walleye that took place each spring when spawning adults typically swim up the channel. At the time the closure was instituted, the decision was both a social and biological issue. The issue was social in that it that illegal snagging was not adequately prevented. It was thought the issue was biological as well, and our previous understanding was that the amount of spawning adult walleye each year in Willard Bay determined the relative success or failure of future year classes of walleye. Our current understanding is different. The latest research around the nation as well as the data we’ve collected over the years suggests the abundance of young walleye each year in Willard Bay is influenced by environmental variables (spring water temps, wave action, water levels, etc.) and not by standing stock of spawning adults. Our next consideration was whether or not the illegal snagging by anglers, which was the cause of the initial closure, could be prevented this time around. Our law enforcement officers have had a strong presence at Willard Bay over the past several years and they intend to continue strong enforcement of the regulations at this water in the future. With these thoughts in mind, our agency put a proposal before theWildlife Board last year to lift the closure of the channel, with the intent ofopening up an additional fishing opportunity to anglers and that proposal was approved. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has really strived to solicit public feedback in recent years. We have implemented surveys, open houses, listed potential regulation changes on websites (including this one), we have used printed media as well as the formal RAC's and Wildlife Board process. Our efforts in using the best fisheries techniques available as well as attempting to work more effectively with our constituents have never been a higher priority. So the question is....If we have addressed this biologically and been diligent in working with our constituents as thoroughly as possible then where did the process break down?
Drew Cushing
Warmwater Sportfish Coordinator
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
[#0000ff]just cleaning up the stray brackets. This is a good read. Thanks.[/#0000ff]